Chicken Parmesan Zoodle Bake
Are you craving the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan but looking for a healthier, low-carb option? Look no further than this delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Parmesan Zoodle Bake! With zucchini noodles standing in for traditional pasta, you’ll get all the comfort without the carbs. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (zoodles)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup marinara sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the spiralized zucchini with a pinch of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently squeeze the zoodles to remove the moisture and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Place the browned chicken breasts over the zoodles in the baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well covered. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Optional step: For a golden, crispy top, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven, let it cool slightly and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Serve your Chicken Parmesan Zoodle Bake with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy your guilt-free twist on a classic!
This Chicken Parmesan Zoodle Bake is not only satisfying and full of flavor but also a dish you can feel good about indulging in. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Bon appétit!